Heads-up, Musician's Friend new policy (for around a month, apparently) is not to accept any return of reeds--even if box is still factory-sealed in cellophane.
I know I have returned unopened boxes in the past, perhaps with a supervisor over-ride. But no longer.
So, I have a brand new box of Rigotti Gold Jazz Alto 2.5M (PM me...) I won't open nor use because I'm keeping and playing the 2.5S I also bought in the same order.
Perhaps there is some secret to trying new brands and strengths without buying a complete box of 10 (or 5 for tenor). Seems like a reed exchange would be an excellent service for and by members on a forum such as this. Either straight trades of single new reeds, or sale-and-mail of singles at a reasonable price. I'd PayPal $5 to try a new brand and strength of alto reed. I haven't had any luck selling a box of 9 Java Green 2.0 on Reverb or Offer-Up, so I guess eBay auction is my final solution but annoying when I know there are players who want reeds. I'm about 80 posts shy of being able to sell on this forum.
As for the Rigottis, they are bright, sure, but not obnoxious with Ref 54 and Phil-Tone Le Son 6. But I think I'll go back to filed Java Reds when the 2.5S are gone for a little sweeter singing core sound that I can still push into more buzz.
I know I have returned unopened boxes in the past, perhaps with a supervisor over-ride. But no longer.
So, I have a brand new box of Rigotti Gold Jazz Alto 2.5M (PM me...) I won't open nor use because I'm keeping and playing the 2.5S I also bought in the same order.
Perhaps there is some secret to trying new brands and strengths without buying a complete box of 10 (or 5 for tenor). Seems like a reed exchange would be an excellent service for and by members on a forum such as this. Either straight trades of single new reeds, or sale-and-mail of singles at a reasonable price. I'd PayPal $5 to try a new brand and strength of alto reed. I haven't had any luck selling a box of 9 Java Green 2.0 on Reverb or Offer-Up, so I guess eBay auction is my final solution but annoying when I know there are players who want reeds. I'm about 80 posts shy of being able to sell on this forum.
As for the Rigottis, they are bright, sure, but not obnoxious with Ref 54 and Phil-Tone Le Son 6. But I think I'll go back to filed Java Reds when the 2.5S are gone for a little sweeter singing core sound that I can still push into more buzz.